As Japan continues to struggle with power shortages following this year's earthquake and tsunami even vending machines can apparently make a difference.

Coca-Cola Japan and its 12 bottling companies said it will cut power consumption of its vending machines to save power. Starting in December through March, vending machines will stop compressors during peak usage periods. The areas affected will include those serviced by Tohoku Electric Power Co., Tokyo Electric Power Co., Kansai Electric Power Co. and Kyushu Electric Power Co.

In addition, outdoor vending machines that use lighting other than the LED variety will look to cut the number of light bulbs used. Indoor vending machines will turn lighting off all day.

Coca-Cola said it has installed 150,000 heat pumps, which absorb heat in the atmosphere and turn it into electrical energy, to power vending machines. Other efforts revolve around solar vending machines.

It's unclear how these efforts add up in the power saving pecking order, but every bit helps.